RIC Theatre Preview – Spring 2011

The RIC Theatre production of “Oleanna” by David Mamet will be staged Feb. 16-20.

Described as a “seething investigation of political correctness,” “Oleanna” begins with a seemingly innocuous meeting between a male university professor and a female student.

The professor, who hopes to gain tenure, is later accused of sexual harassment by the student. A gripping war of words ensues as the play spirals into a stunning ending.

“Oleanna,” which features a two-person cast, premiered in 1992 in Cambridge, Mass. It was made into a feature film in 1994.

The New York Times wrote that “Oleanna” was “likely to provoke more arguments than any play this year,” while Time magazine described it as “reason enough to cheer for the future of the theatre.”

Amazing dance routines, unforgettable songs, and a story that resonates as powerfully today as it ever did…“Fame – The Musical” will go local this spring in a RIC Theatre production from April 14-17. Bill Wilson, RIC’s director of musical theatre, will direct.

It’s the inspiring story of a group of talented students who persevere through four years at New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street. Their lives, loves, friendships and hardships are on display in this enduring tale that pulses with energy throughout.

It seems that “Fame” is indeed “gonna live forever” as the song says. It started as a movie (1980), then became a TV series (1982-87), and in 2009 got new life as an updated film. This year, this amazing musical takes center stage at RIC.